Seattle Storm celebrates 25 years with 3’s for Treehouse

SPONSORED — The Seattle Storm, a powerhouse in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2000, the Storm has left an indelible mark on the basketball world, both on and off the court.

The Storm’s 25th anniversary season promises to be a memorable one.

“The fans who have showed up for this team are very special,” owner Lisa Brummel said in an interview with Carter Subaru. “They’re special to us because it’s our business and we love to entertain them every time they come to the arena.”

But it’s more important because you see across the 16 years that we’ve owned the team, they’re there through thick and thin. Oftentimes in a business when things aren’t going well, people abandon you, our fans are always there,” she continued.

Throughout the year, fans can participate in various promotions, giveaways and experiences to honor the team’s legacy. The franchise has come a long way since its founding, and this milestone season is a testament to its enduring impact on the community.

Seattle Storm first WNBA team with all-women ownership

One of the most remarkable features of the Storm is its all-women ownership group. The Storm is the first WNBA team to have all-women ownership.

The ownership team is composed of Ginny Gilder, Lisa Brummel, Dawn Trudeau and recently WNBA legend Sue Bird. Their commitment to women’s sports and empowerment sets a powerful example for the entire league.

“When we first took over the team, the ask of the corporate partner was more of a ‘You should do this because it’s the right thing,’ and now it’s ‘You want to do this because you want to be part of what we’re doing,'” Trudeau said in a video with Carter Subaru. “It’s a big change and it’s been a really helpful thing for us to bring in more partners who want to align with what we’re doing and what our brand is doing in the community and the impact we have with the community.”

Bird retired from playing with the Storm in 2022. She played her entire professional career with the team. She also won four WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals.

“As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game,” said former player Sue Bird via the Storm’s website. “Investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion; it’s smart business. It’s about recognizing the immense talent, dedication, and market potential our league has always had. Force 10 Hoops and the Storm have been at the forefront of this for decades. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of basketball, but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.”

Seattle Storm launches Force4Change

Force4Change became part of the Storm’s mission in 2020.

“When we first purchased the team we had a pretty strict rule with the team and with ourselves, not wanting to alienate anyone,” Trudeau said. “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable in the arena and we still want everyone to feel comfortable in the arena.”

Force4Change was started in response to social unrest and demands for justice for Black individuals across the country. The platform focuses on elevating the voices and experiences of Black women, supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities through different programs, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion and promoting civic engagement, education and legislative action.

In 2020, the Seattle Storm expanded its Force4Change initiatives, including programs like Stats for Youth, where Storm stats are converted into dollar donations for non-profits.

Carter Subaru has long-standing history as corporate partner of the Storm

Carter Subaru, under the leadership of Jen Moran is the longest-standing corporate partner of the Storm.

“The partnership is centered around bringing the community together and creating a positive impact with our shared platform,” said Storm CEO and General Manager Alisha Valavanis.

Their unwavering support has contributed to the team’s sustained excellence. Carter-Subaru embodies the spirit of community collaboration and shared values through the Subaru Love Promise.

Carter Subaru has been nationally recognized for its dedication to the community. The Subaru Love Promise acknowledges Subaru retailers who actively contribute to causes in local communities, focusing on areas such as the environment, community, health and education.

One organization they work with is Treehouse , a nonprofit organization in Washington that focuses on supporting youth in foster care. 

As Carter Subaru partners with Treehouse and the Storm, it sought a way to help foster Treehouse’s mission.  Therefore, it launched 3’s for Treehouse, a program that directs funds to Treehouse with the help of the Storm team.

The Storm, being not only a basketball team but an advocate for change, jumped at the opportunity to help. 

“I am very excited to work with these partners and look forward to promoting long-lasting positive impact in the Seattle community,” Force4Change‘s Director of Community Engagement, Crystal Langhorne said. “We are very lucky to have corporate partners who embrace the activism side of the Seattle Storm and understand the importance of our influence on young people.”

Along with 3’s for Treehouse, other initiatives include Free Throws for the Future, Community Assist and Blockchain. The team continues to intentionally partner with organizations to raise money and promote diversity in underserved communities, non-profits and among individuals. 

As the Seattle Storm celebrates its 25th anniversary, the community applauds its achievements, honors its legacy, and looks forward to many more years of inspiring basketball and community impact. 

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